[TW: Sexual assault mentioned.]
Noel finishes his piece of cake in the garden, sitting on a bench removed from the general merrymaking. It's almost peaceful, for a little while. He catches snippets of conversation over the sound of the fountain, and beyond the usual ass-kissing and backhanded compliments, it seems the most popular topic is still the incident in Solis and Jade's role in it. Wherever Jade is lurking now, his ears must be burning from how often his name is in these socialites' mouths.
As the sun dips fully below the horizon, ushering in the evening chill of early autumn, more guests migrate outside in anticipation of the fireworks. From his spot near the fountain, Noel can make out the tall figures of both his brother and Jade mixed into the crowd, both looking equally unenthused.
With most people gathered in the back garden, this would probably be a good time to slip away, Noel figures, rising and making his way to the periphery of the growing throng.
